Post 64 Oratorical winner Ryan Perry

Middleboro's Simeon L. Nickerson Post 64 American Legion conductedits annual oratorical scholarship program on Saturday, January 12 at Postheadquarters.Ryan Perry, a senior at Middleboro High School was the lone participant.He gained the top money award for his efforts.He is scheduled to compete in the Massachusetts District 10 contestin Sandwich on  Saturday, January 19. Last year, Ryan finished third in theMassachusetts state finals.This year's state winner will have the opportunity to win a scholarship worth$18,000 at the national finals. (Editor's note: Due to extreme winter weatherthe District 10 event in Sandwich was postponed to a later date.)Assisting in observing, time keeping and judging of the of the Middleboroprogram were State Representative Norman Orrall, Middleboro SelectmanJohn Knowlton, Mary Standish and Bob Burke, Gil Cote, Bill Strongy,Walter Campbell, Jr., Jeanine Knowlton, Richard Washburn and Keiki Orrall. Posing, left to right, for the presentation of the first prize are Selectman Knowlton, Ryan Perry, Commander Bob Lessard of Post 64, Steven Perry and Representative Orrall. (Photo by Mary Standish.)